Once a hop seed is planted it takes three years for it to grow and produce hop cones viable for brewing. This moment is celebrated in Belgium’s hop growing region, Poperinge, with a Tri-Annual hop festival.
Regional brewers were asked to create a festive beer for this occasion. Van Eecke’s Hommel Bier was selected so many times as the festival’s best that it has become synonymous with the region itself.
Unlike American IPA, Hommel Bier highlights the elegant floral aromas of Hallertau and East Kent Goldings hops. Along with a few secret hops, this brew is rounded out with notes of citrus, honey and cumin seed.